<p>I'm faced with finally having to sit down and finish my Common App, and I've run into the issue of what to write about for the elaboration of an extracurricular. I just read through my list of activities, and while I am interested in all of them and they're all special to me, my list seems pretty broad and unpassionate from the point of view of an admissions officer, I'm sure. I know that the elaboration short essay is a chance to show how an extracurricular really does affect my life, but I don't have a clear and obvious choice.</p>
<p>*Is it okay to write about a paid work experience, even if it's only about 12 hours a week? I'm a tutor at Kumon, and it's been really fun and educational for me. But I feel lame saying that that's my most important extracurricular!</p>
<p>*What about youth group? That's probably the area in which I'm most actively involved with leadership, service, etc., but I hesitate to sound too religious...</p>
<p>*Music has been an extremely important part of my life, but I'm afraid that I haven't shown enough follow-through or passion. I'm first chair violin in my school's orchestra, but I've done relatively few non-school-related groups or performances, and I feel like anything I could say about music would be overshadowed by those who've played in Carnegie Hall or composed their own pieces.</p>
<p>Haha, maybe I'm overthinking this way too much. I'm just nervous because I want to pursue archaeology or anthropology, and unfortunately I haven't been able to participate in any extracurriculars related to these, my true passions. I'd appreciate any advice!</p>